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By Gianmaria Rosati
The sun is starting to set at the Misano World Circuit, signifying that day one of testing for KTM and Ducati is now over. Riding for the Austrian manufacturer is Mika Kallio, who will bring the new bike to Valencia to compete in the final race of the MotoGP season. Michele Pirro was on track with the Ducati MotoGP while Giugliano and Melandri were representing team Ducati Aruba. Chaz Davies stopped after only a few laps this morning, suffering from a painful muscle contraction in his back. It doesn't appear to be anything serious and, with the Welshman having already received treatment today, he will try to get back on his #7 bike tomorrow.
The weather helped, given that the heat was accompanied by a pleasant breeze that meant air and track temperatures were ideal. As a result, teams were able to make the most of the whole day, making various short exits as is usual during a test, despite the teams present all having very different goals.
With regard to the Ducati Aruba team, the aim is two-fold, to keep up with training during the long summer break and to test new strategies for improvement. “The day went without a hitch – explains Davide Giugliano – and the times recorded are interesting (his best lap was somewhere in the region of a low 1’36”). We don't have any important updates to test, and have really only been testing some set-up modifications. The important thing here was to be back on the back after a lengthy break, in preparation for Lausitzring. The championship break? Sometimes I think we need it, though this time it's really long. I never have chance to miss bikes though, as I'm on one four or five times a week for training, so it's no problem”.
Speaking with the Roman rider, we can't not touch on the very important subject of his future: “Some very interesting negotiations are in progress. With regard to Superbike, the most attractive offer is Manuel's (Puccetti), but right now another possibility is under discussion, which could also be a valid proposal. A move to Moto2? It's a concrete possibility and I'm considering it. It's a tough championship but also a strange one, and I think for a debut rider, as I would be, it would be difficult. But then again I come from Superbike where nothing is easy and where many are fast, and I don't think the 600 is an easy bike but it's probably less difficult to ride”.
Testing continues tomorrow for all the teams present today, along with the factory Ducati MotoGP team, with Dovizioso and Iannone, and the Aprilia team, also with Sam Lowes.
